SSL Blog

Did you know the Screen Time feature on your iPhone and iPad does more than just track how long you spend on various apps? Here’s a little hack on how you can use Screen Time as a way to password protect your apps…although I admit it just has one wee flaw.

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure you have Screen Time enabled by going to Settings > Screen Time and then set a passcode by tapping on Use Screen Time Passcode.

Now you’ll need to set a time limit for the apps you want to lock. What we are trying to do is set a minimum time limit so that the app will lock straight away (the minimum limit is 1 minute - this is the one flaw, as you’ll be “unprotected” until the app has been used for 1 minute).

To add a time limit to to an app, tap on the bar graph that shows your current day’s usage. Find the app you want to add a limit to in the list and tap on it. Next, tap on Add Limit and enter the passcode you set earlier in Screen Time. Set it to 1 minute and make sure you have enabled Block at End of Limit. Now tap on Add. Voila! Now after using your app for 1 minute it will lock - the icon will be greyed out on your home screen. When you tap on the greyed out icon you’ll get this message, “Ask For More Time” which you just tap on and enter your Screen Time passcode to unlock.

So, there you have it! A little Screen Time hack to “Password Protect” your apps!

If you haven’t already, it’s a good time to update your Mac to Apple’s latest OS X Mojave (check if your Mac is compatible here). One of my favourite features is Mojave’s dynamic desktop. Now, it’s not a “life-changing” feature, but more of a fun novelty. Based off your location, your desktop background will change accordingly to the time of the day - so you’ll see a progression from day to night. Pretty cool right?

Okay, let’s be honest here, we’re all a little bit aware that we tend to forget our passwords especially with so many multiple logins. The good thing is that Apple has made it easier for us by giving us iCloud Keychain, which helps to store our usernames and passwords safely.

STORING YOUR PASSWORDS is pretty easy with Apple iCloud Keychain. All you have to do is log in to one of your apps or a website and a pop-up will ask if you want to save these login details to your iCloud Keychain. Select Save Password and voila! Your details are now added to your Keychain.

If you want to view your stored passwords in your Keychain simply go to your Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Website & App Passwords. Once you’ve confirmed your ID with either Touch/FaceID you’ll be able to see your full list of login info.

CREATING A STRONG PASSWORD is good practice. Most of us are guilty of creating very easy passwords (usually the name of our favourite pet and someone’s year of birth, or the most common, “Password”) iCloud Keychain thankfully has an option to create a strong password for you. So whenever your register for an app or register for anything on Safari, iOS 12 will suggest a Strong Password for you, which is then saved to your Keychain. So the next time your signing up to something new, you’ll see a pop-up which will then have the option “Use Strong Password.”

If this isn’t working for you, check that you have Autofill Passwords enabled. Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Autofill Passwords. Check that you have iCloud Keychain enabled as well.

AUTOFILL your passwords now whenever you’re logging in! Tap on the username or password box when logging into an app or website and if iOS detects that you’ve saved a login for the app or site, it’ll suggest a login just above your keyboard. Once you’ve selected the appropriate login, you just have to confirm using Touch/FaceID and your login details will be automatically filled out. Next step, tap on login!

How easy is that? No more trying to scramble your brain remembering multiple logins and passwords. There are many other apps that can help you with password management. I myself personally use 1Password. It’s a great little app that stores not only just your login details, but also other things such as your bank details, membership card details, credit card details. The sky’s the limit with what you want to store in it. You can check it out here on the app store. If you’re not a fan of a paid subscription though, there are also free alternatives. Explore Apple’s App store and see what you’ll discover!

At Setup, Sync and Learn your security and privacy is always important. It’s always good housekeeping to change your password at least once or twice every year. It does seem straight forward, but at times you might find yourself getting numerous notifications on your devices to sign-in again. So to make it a little less stressful for you here’s a short list of what to check after you’ve changed your Apple ID or Password…